Christmas creativity: inmates of the JVA Feldkirch design Advent market

Christmas creativity: inmates of the JVA Feldkirch design Advent market

A special Christmas wind is blowing this year in the Feldkirch prison. Despite the circumstances in which the occupants are located, it can be seen that the spirit of Christmas has also found its way here. Preparations for the now third Advent market are in full swing, and the inmates dealt intensively with handicrafts, painting and sewing. The proceeds of the market will benefit the cliniclowns this year, an organization that gives children a smile in difficult times.

Preparations for this market traditionally begin in September. This year the team of the women's department discovered a particularly talented hobbyist among the occupants. Isabell Schmedt, the commander, emphasizes how important it is to promote the individual skills of the occupants. "An insassin told us that she likes to bind wreaths in her free time and produce decorations for weddings. That inspired us," she explains.

engagement of the inmates

Overall, the creative insassin dedicated around 200 hours of the production of advent wreaths. An exciting task that not only challenged her creativity, but also promoted teamwork and the connection with nature. "We were allowed to go into the forest with officials and collect fir, moss and bark.

Visitors to the Advent market are consistently enthusiastic about the handmade goods. Gerda Rundel, a regular customer, says: "The sweet angels they made here are simply magical!" The anticipation onto the market is noticeable and many come in time to choose the best pieces.

The importance of such an initiative extends far beyond the financial aspect. "The occupants may only have an hour a day and often spend the rest of the time lonely in their cells. Sensible jobs help enormously to bridge the time and to influence the spirit positively," explains Doris Reich, a probation assistant. It underlines how important it is to offer the inmates opportunities for self -realization and to develop their skills.

The Advent market has established itself as a popular starting point for the community. Not only a variety of handmade works of art and jewelry is offered here, but also the opportunity to show the occupants behind the scenes that their work is valued. This not only creates joy, but also a feeling of belonging and the meaningfulness in the often challenging everyday life of the judiciary.

Overall, this project shows that Christmas is a festival of giving and charity that can make its roots even in the most unexpected places. Preparations are in full swing, and it remains to be seen how the market is accepted by visitors. This Advent market in the Feldkirch Proper State offers an impressive way to promote the exchange between the inmates and the community.

For more information about the background and further details about the Advent market, there are additional reports on vorarlberg.orf .